Effect of Olive Oil on the Skin

Abstract

The popularity of cosmetics derived from natural sources is increasing. Such products are ecologically "ethical" and are effective and safe to use. Vitamin E is the main lipophilic antioxidant that inhibits peroxidation, especially if associated with "natural" moisturizers such as the lipids in olive oil and olive extract. Vegetable oils containing EFAs have proven to be of great use in the production of cosmetics as either active incipient or raw materials for the synthesis of novel compounds. EFAs are easily integrated into the skin's hydro-lipid film and are nourishing, moisturizing, and protective. Some of these substances have been used for centuries yet can still meet the needs of today's consumers. Apart from their moisturizing and soothing effects, and anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory function, these products reduce aging of the skin with their antioxidant, stabilizing action on the cellular membranes. Treatment with olive oil has no side effects. Olive oil does not burn or traumatize the skin. Several synthetic compounds have been used in the development of cosmetics to adulterate the many essential oils derived from natural sources; however, lessons must be learned from the previous failures of organic chemistry. Environmentally polluting chemicals approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT) were initially claimed to be safe. Several pharmaceutical drugs have been licensed only to be subsequently withdrawn due to their serious side effects. These failures demonstrate that although chemical principles may be useful in the development of synthetic cosmetics, the potential for serious side effects must be considered. © 2010 Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.